Perspective

Positive or negative. Are you discouraged, or looking for encouragement?

Are you falling behind, or reaching for your goal?

Do you make time, or do you have time?

Do you have to go, or do you get to go?

It’s a matter of perspective, with one view sounding negative and one positive.

The Bible tells of people with both viewpoints, but the one thing the Bible is consistently telling us is that the outcome can be positive. The deciding factor is ourselves.

Luke 15:11-32 tells of three men, each with a different perspective, and each deciding what to do about being positive or negative.

The youngest son was very positive that a lifestyle change was just what he needed. He soon found out how true the proverb really was:

There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death. (Proverbs 14:12 KJV)

We’re not told the father’s perspective when his youngest left home, but we read of his compassion and joy at his son’s return.

It’s the older son I wonder about. I’ve seen the likes of him in church. A person with a sullied reputation comes forward to accept Christ as their savior, and the older brother looks askance. A long-time member, perhaps from childhood, always faithful to church, family, righteously living in the community, who with the older brother wonders:

And he answering said to his father, Lo, these many years do I serve thee, neither transgressed I at any time thy commandment: and yet thou never gavest me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends: (Luke 15:29 KJV)

Still positive, the father does not berate his son, but confirms:

And he said unto him, Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine. It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found. (Luke 15:31-32 KJV)

This parable was given with two others, and Christ twice stated the theme:

I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance. (Luke 15:7 KJV)

Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth. (Luke 15:10 KJV)

Have you provided joy for the angels in heaven? Tell about it.